Casey Anthony's Lawyer FLIPS OUT

7/7/2011 8:30 AM PDT

Casey Anthony's Lawyer FLIPS OUT

Casey Anthony's defense lawyer had one hell of a message for reporters and spectators Tuesday ... in the form of an extended middle finger.

Attorney Cheney Mason -- who worked alongside Jose Baez -- shot the bird to a crowd outside an Orlando restaurant Tuesday while celebrating the not guilty verdict with the rest of his team.

UPDATE: The Associated Press had reported that a complaint was filed against Cheney with the Florida Bar Association over the gesture ... but the AP has now WITHDRAWN the story ... after a Bar spokesperson said the report was false.